DA: Zack Baun is effective as a pass rusher; Nephi Sewell will get more 4-3 LB snaps [MERGED] (3 Viewers)

[Jesse Custer]

He was awesome against the Giants. He almost got 2 sacks, but he directly led to others getting the sacks as he forced Devito to try to dodge him. Baun was ducking and bending so deep that the tackle couldn't block him, then tried a bull rush, used some stunts, and I saw him get double teamed because he was so dominant.

Looked at the All-22 footage. He had DeVito in his grasp three times. Other times Baun was standing up and playing paddycake with the OLs to spy him in case he ran. Baun has a seriously quick first step.

 

[Lustmord]

The bad thing Baun isn't the first one this happened with. Team tried the same thing with Kikaha

man - what blast from the past- i was all in on kikaha, jerseys and all, but yeah totally misused ( but also injury prone)

 

[KCWhoDat]

He will probably end up on the Ravens next year….thats how we roll. He could’ve been playing this whole time, what a waste of talent and time.

 

[los226]

Zach Baun effective as pass rusher. Peat effective at LT. Who would’ve thought?!?

 

[St. Geezy]

Is Baun a FA after this season?

Yep.

 

[ELLIASJWILLIAMS]

man - what blast from the past- i was all in on kikaha, jerseys and all, but yeah totally misused ( but also injury prone)

Idk that you could call it misused. When 4-3 teams take undersized rushers they tend to move them to Sam LB where they are matched up with guys more their size at TE in the run game. Then on 3rd downs they switch to Edge Rushers. The entire idea is to protect the undersized player from having to go against Olineman in the running game on a down to down basis.

It's how you get most value ie a 3 down player, otherwise he just becomes a situational rusher.

The greats are capable of doing it, lets not forget in Von Millers 1st year with Broncos DA was coordinator and Miller played Sam effectively and rushed the passer on 3rd downs. As did Khalil Mack. Both were under 260lbs coming into the league.

Baun and Kikaha were under 250

Still, in todays pass happy NFL, even if the guy is only a pass-rusher having a designated one still boost your defense.. You just have to protect him in the run game, so in that regards I agree...Saints hadn't smartened up about using primary passrushers. They are still focused on guys that can do both and that's why they draft 6'5 270 lb guys

 

[Pkessling]

Idk that you could call it misused. When 4-3 teams take undersized rushers they tend to move them to Sam LB where they are matched up with guys more their size at TE in the run game. Then on 3rd downs they switch to Edge Rushers. The entire idea is to protect the undersized player from having to go against Olineman in the running game on a down to down basis.

It's how you get most value ie a 3 down player, otherwise he just becomes a situational rusher.

The greats are capable of doing it, lets not forget in Von Millers 1st year with Broncos DA was coordinator and Miller played Sam effectively and rushed the passer on 3rd downs. As did Khalil Mack. Both were under 260lbs coming into the league.

Baun and Kikaha were under 250

Still, in todays pass happy NFL, even if the guy is only a pass-rusher having a designated one still boost your defense.. You just have to protect him in the run game, so in that regards I agree...Saints hadn't smartened up about using primary passrushers. They are still focused on guys that can do both and that's why they draft 6'5 270 lb guys

He doesn’t need to play in the run game. Dismal as a LB, can’t cover and lability against the run. Edge rusher is his position. Only took 4 years for DA to put him there.

 

[ELLIASJWILLIAMS]

He doesn’t need to play in the run game. Dismal as a LB, can’t cover and lability against the run. Edge rusher is his position. Only took 4 years for DA to put him there.

Basically, they've just been slow to adapt to current times. Perhaps they've figured it out, because he's done nothing outside of this season they can resign him cheap and perhaps expand his role in a year.

 

[webster]

Nephi was impressive in pre season and has looked each time he gets an opportunity. I hope he continues his development.

 

[Jesse Custer]

Basically, they've just been slow to adapt to current times. Perhaps they've figured it out, because he's done nothing outside of this season they can resign him cheap and perhaps expand his role in a year.

That's the dream. He's still got untapped potential as a situational pass rusher. His shoulder dip is killer. Getting a sack against Penei Sewell is no small feat.

 

[woohoosaint]

If

Yep.

If Arthur Smith doesn't get fired by the Falcons and Nielsen remains as their DC...I wouldn't be one bit surprised if the Falcons go after him.